Your weekend guide for June 27-29: It’s time for the Big Butler Fair and much more!

Above photo courtesy of Big Butler Fair.

This week has been a scorcher in Pittsburgh (we hope you hit up a pool or splashpad!) The weekend is also predicted to be hot and steamy with scattered storms, but thankfully there is a host of both indoor and outdoor options for local families. Plan your weekend adventures right here:

Friday, June 27- Sunday, June 28: World Square 

This three-day festival celebrates the immigrant communities that are a vital part of what makes Pittsburgh great. This event is typically held in Market Square, but due to the upgrade project will take place nearby this summer.  For three days, events will take place along 7th Avenue and Penn in the lot across from the Benedum Center. Find more details about this festival here.

 

Friday, June 27- Saturday, July 5: Big Butler Fair

Kids will love seeing the animals at the petting zoo, as well as the competing livestock. And the School Bus Demolition Derby, harness racing and truck-and-tractor pulls are favorites among the grandstand events. There’s lots more – fireworks, country music concerts and all the delicious carnival food you crave. Admission is $9, free for ages 6 and younger. Ride-all-day carnival wristbands are $30.

Friday, June 27: First Fridays at The Frick Pittsburgh, 5 p.m. 

Join the neighborhood for live music, food trucks, art-making and family fun on the Frick lawns. Be sure to pack some chairs or blankets. Set up at 5 p.m. for a musical performance that begins at 6:30 p.m. Find the music lineup for this week (and the whole summer) here. Admission is free, and a $5 adult donation is suggested.

Friday, June 27: “Wanda B. Meighnaybor” at Carnegie Stage, 7:30 p.m.

Wanda B. Meighnaybor welcomes everyone to jump into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe! Alongside never-before-seen puppet characters, drag royalty sing and dance to the timeless teachings of our favorite Pittsburgher. Settle into your seat and celebrate with a special goody bag of props to play alongside the show, including a bingo sheet of Fred Rogers quotes. Purchase tickets here.

Saturday, June 28: “Scientists Like Me” at the Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Scientists Like Me brings local STEM professionals who self-identify as part of the disabled, neurodiverse or autistic populations to the Science Center. Through one-on-one conversations with our presenters, visitors can learn about their experiences in their fields and discover the exciting contributions being made by autistic and disabled scientists. This event will feature live demonstrations and shows by various Science Center departments, adjusted for a sensory-sensitive audience. The quiet room will be made available throughout the event for anyone who would benefit from a break in a low-stimulus environment. Find all of the details here.

Saturday, June 28: Storytime at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10:15 a.m.

Every Saturday, meet museum staff at the bench near the entrance to Dinosaurs in Their Time for a hands-on interactive story time. This event is open to all ages, but is likely best for infants, toddlers and younger elementary-aged kiddos. This event is included with museum admission.

Saturday, June 28: Summer Explorer Series at The Frick Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Explore the Frick in new ways every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the summer. These free drop-in activities will change each week to engage visitors of all ages in a variety of ways, including art-making, historical exploration, storytelling and play. Grab a Summer Explorer passport at the Grable Visitor Center and win a prize when you complete five activities. Find all the details right here.

Sunday, June 29: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Family Days at Allegheny Commons, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Meet your North Side neighbors at the first Family Day of 2025. Expect music, balloon animals, fun food, airbrush tattoos and lots of activities for the whole family. There will be kid-friendly performances by Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Azure Concerts Pittsburgh. Find more details here.

Sunday, June 29: International Mud Day at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Dress for mess and bring a towel and a change of clothes to this delightfully destructive event. Hoses for cleaning off and a changing tent will be provided. Accompanying adults may watch from a clean distance or participate in the muddy wonderfulness. Activities are included in daily admission.

Sunday, June 19: Buccaneer Buddy TreasureMap Day at PNC Park, 1:35 p.m.

Every Sunday that the Pirates play a home game (like this weekend!), there will be some extra adventure for kids at PNC Park throughout this season. Pick up a map at Guest Relations or the Kids Club kiosk. This weekend, kids also get a replica Mitch Keller jersey. Find details about the TreasureMap here, and purchase tickets here. Check out the Buccaroos Kids Club for discount options, too.

Sunday, June 29: Azure Autism-Friendly Summertime Serenade, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Come to Allegheny Commons Park to celebrate the start of summer. Cozy up in your camp chairs or lounge across your picnic blankets for an afternoon of songs old and new, featuring artists on the autism spectrum from Band Together Pittsburgh. This event is free, and all behaviors are welcome. Find details here.

Looking for more summertime fun? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for all of the latest happenings!